AVA – R. Gale Garver, 85, of Ava, passed away Sunday, May 1, 2022, at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital, Murphysboro, IL.

Gale was born March 13, 1937, in Ava, IL, to Ralph J. and Helen (Ditzler) Garver. He married Patsy A. Roseme on July 8, 1961, in Ava, IL. Gale was a Veteran of the U.S. Army and a farmer. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Ava, IL, and the Jackson County Farm Bureau.

Gale is survived by his wife, Patsy Garver of Ava, IL, children: Kathy Alstat of Vergennes, IL, Ronald (Leah) Garver of Edwardsville, IL, Dennis (Lisa) Garver of Ava, IL; grandchildren: Danielle (Tony) Alstat, Dustin (Hannah) Garver, Hank (Brittany) Garver, Lauren Garver, Ryan Garver; great grandchildren: Breanna Beard, Alaina Arroyo, Deaton Garver, Drake Garver, Fraya Garver; step grandchildren: Faith Fiorina, Zeke Fiorina; and a brother, Glen (Delores) Garver of Ava, IL.

Gale is preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law, William Alstat, brothers, Homer and Delbert, sisters, Marilyn Wilmouth, Mildred Wisely, and Marie Williamson.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, IL, with Rev. Robert Spangler officiating. Burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Ava, IL. Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, where friends may call from 5 - 8 pm, Tuesday, May 3, 2022, and 7:30 – 2 pm on Wednesday. Memorials may be given to First Baptist Church Building Fund and can be mailed to Wilson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Ava, IL 62907. To sign the guestbook, visit www.wilsonsfuneralhome.net .